Kobe Paras' Journey at Creighton: How His Basketball Career Unfolded
When I first heard Kobe Paras was heading to Creighton University, I remember thinking this could be the breakthrough moment for Filipino basketball on the global stage. Having followed international basketball prospects for over a decade, I've seen countless players attempt the NCAA route, but Paras brought something special - that unique combination of athleticism and international experience that made scouts take notice. His journey through Creighton's basketball program offers valuable lessons for any aspiring athlete looking to navigate the challenging world of college basketball.
The first step in understanding Paras' path begins with recognizing the importance of proper preparation before even stepping on campus. From my observations, many international players struggle with the transition to American basketball, but Paras had the advantage of already playing at the high school level in the US before joining Creighton. He spent time at Middlebrooks Academy and Cathedral High School, developing his skills against American competition. This foundation proved crucial when he arrived at Creighton in 2016. The adjustment period typically takes about 3-6 months for most international players, but Paras seemed to adapt relatively quickly to the Bluejays' system under coach Greg McDermott. What impressed me most was how he worked on expanding his game beyond just scoring - focusing on defense and team concepts that would be essential at the Division I level.
During his time with the Bluejays, Paras faced the typical challenges of a freshman player, but with additional pressure of representing Philippine basketball. I've always believed that the mental aspect of college basketball gets overlooked, and this was particularly true in Paras' case. He appeared in 11 games during the 2016-17 season, averaging about 1.2 points in limited minutes. While these numbers might seem modest, having watched those games closely, I noticed his defensive improvements and how he worked within the team structure. The key method here for any player in similar circumstances is to focus on controllable factors - practice habits, film study, and maintaining positive relationships with coaching staff and teammates. Paras demonstrated this approach, even when playing time was scarce.
One aspect that many don't consider is the academic balancing act. From my conversations with college athletes, the time commitment reaches approximately 40-45 hours weekly between practices, games, travel, and coursework. Paras had to manage this while dealing with the expectations from basketball fans back in the Philippines. This brings me to an important point about handling external pressure - something I've seen derail many promising careers. The approach that worked for Paras involved maintaining focus on daily improvement rather than getting caught up in media narratives or fan expectations. He utilized the support systems available at Creighton, including academic advisors and sports psychologists, which I strongly recommend for any college athlete facing similar pressures.
The decision to transfer after one season represents what I consider one of the most crucial steps in a player's development journey. After his freshman year, Paras opted to leave Creighton, eventually landing at Cal State Northridge. This move demonstrates an important lesson about recognizing when a situation isn't the right fit and having the courage to make changes. In my professional opinion, too many players stick with unfavorable situations due to fear of starting over. Paras' transfer, while controversial at the time, showed maturity in understanding his own development needs. The methodology here involves honest self-assessment and seeking advice from trusted mentors - something Paras clearly did before making his decision.
Reflecting on Kobe Paras' journey at Creighton reminds me of the complex nature of basketball development. While his time with the Bluejays was brief, it provided essential building blocks for his professional career. The reference to Terrafirma's situation in the PBA, where despite returning to compete in Season 50, the 'For Sale' sign remains hanging on the door, somewhat mirrors the transitional nature of basketball careers - nothing is permanent, and adaptability becomes crucial. Paras' path demonstrates that sometimes the most valuable experiences come from challenging environments that force growth and self-discovery. His Creighton chapter, while not meeting some people's expectations, contributed significantly to the player he's become today. The key takeaway I'd emphasize for young players is that every step in the journey matters, even the difficult ones that don't follow the expected script.